Knowledge of technology In order to study and evaluate the social and ethical issues involved in the use of software, the student must have an understanding of related technological concepts. These may include:
Software (application) -- tool that allows a computer to be used for a specific purpose. This can range anywhere from simple word processing to web browsing to complex mathematical operations. The operating system that the computer runs is also software in a lower-level form
Shareware -- Software that has an honor "pay-if-you-use" system that you pay after the trial period is over. This is becoming less and less prominent because of increases in the ability to keep track of users and how long they use a program
Public domain -- anything that has an expired copyright or is declared to be property of the public, allowing anyone to modify and redistribute whatever is in the public domain
Freeware -- software that does not require payment for use
Commercial software -- software that is made for the purpose of selling and making a profit
Integrated software -- software that is designed to mix different tasks into one piece of software
User manual -- a book that provides instructions as to how to use something such as a piece of software. This contains a basic outline of different tasks that can be done and is not always comprehensive
Registration card -- a card that allows a user to register a license to use a piece of software as theirs and gives support and other benefits to the registerer
Serial number -- a number that allows for the registration of a license allowing the user to use the software
Warranty -- a guarantee that something will work. If whatever is warranted does not work, the manufacturer will repair, replace, or refund
Copyright -- a protection of intellectual property that provides for the legal prosecution of anyone in violation of stealing intellectual property
License -- an authorization to use something such as a piece of software
multi-user -- a license that authorizes multiple people to use the same piece of software
single-user -- a license that allows a single user to use a piece of software, restricting the right to copy and redistribute the software
site license -- an authorization for a specific computer or location to use a piece of software with no restriction on the number of users
Back-up -- a copy of essential data that can be copied back to the original location in the event of data loss
Back door -- a way to "cheat" through authentication of software by using another method built into the software that is not published
Upload/download -- sending/receiving data from another computer via a network
Wizard -- a program that takes a user through a set of tasks to achieve a goal
Template -- a predesigned product that a user can modify to their needs
2.2.1 Software basics BRAGG
Students must study and evaluate the social and ethical issues involved in the use of software. These include:
In order to study and evaluate the social and ethical issues involved in the use of software, the student must have an understanding of related technological concepts. These may include: